UK+Animals


 * [[image:rabbit.jpg width="172" height="250" align="right"]]Animals and i****nse****cts of the United Kingdom**

In the UK we have a variety of different species. This is because of the UK's temperate climate which allows most groups of animals to live without a struggle. Unfortunately some of the UK's most precious wildlife has decreased over the past 200 years. However we are still home to an interesting and large variety of birds, mammals, insects and fish. The most common in Britain are birds. We have birds which migrate around the world and nest in Britain only for the summer. We have lot's of common birds which nest in Britain for their whole life. These are composed mainly of starlings, robins, blackbirds, sparrows and a large family of thrushes. The less common that are even growing under threat are kingfishers,blue tit's, and sparrows were and still are rare in some parts of the UK. Our mammals range from the canine, feline, bovine, ursine, equine, squirrels and members of the pig/boar family. Many of our mammals, like wolves for example, used to occupy Scotland and other more wild parts of the UK however they are now extinct in the UK. The close relations to them are the different breeds of dog that we have in this country. Dogs are a very common pet in the UK today. Similar to wolves being extinct wild cat's are now very rare to find in Scotland however similar to the canine family in the UK the feline family is a popular pet. Another threat that our wildlife faces is that our Red Squirrels are being driven out by Grey Squirrels. Our Red Squirrels our now rare if not close to extinction now.

Other common pet's are imported reptiles that are kept in special tropical climate simulation tanks. Until a few years ago it was legal to own a tortoise/turtle in this country due to the calamity that happened because of this they are now banned to be imported into this country.

The Bovine or cow family is used a lot for milk and beef. The most popular breed of dairy cow is a English Holstein, this is especially popular in the south east of Britain. Lot's of dairy products made from these cows are turned into famous brands of cheeses made right here in the UK. For example the famous Wensleydale cheese.

Our marine life is quite fascinating again because of the temperate climate around Britain. Although rare we do have whales and dolphins in this country. Dolphins are especially found in the south west of Britain. We have extensive species of fish in this country to think about too. Cod and Mackerel are the most popular for they're unique flavour. In the UK it's not unusual to keep fish as pet's as either small goldfish or larger more exotic imports.

Our insect life is particularly interesting as we have non-poisonous yet still remarkably beautiful insects and arachnids. For example we have a praying mantis which is a spectacular creature. We have roughly 100 different types of spiders almost all beautiful, yet not poisonous. We have a colourful selection of butterflies and moths which come from exotic seeming caterpillars. It is rare yet not unheard of that people see species of snakes in the British wilderness. What is most interesting is the slow worm. As simply as it can be described it is a no-legged scaly worm which has many people baffled at whether it is a worm or a snake or a leg-less lizard.

In conclusion Britain has a extensive array of animals and insects but the best way to find out is to come and see them for yourself.

__Wildlife in__ __the White Cliffs of Dover__

One of Britain's most famous landmarks is the White Cliffs of Dover. It offers 5 miles of coast and countryside views. It is owned and managed by The National Trust. The White Cliffs of Dover contains 1% of the world's chalk grassland and 2% of Britain's. It contains more than half of the chalk grassland in Kent. Chalk grassland is a great habitat for a wide variety of wild flowers. The cliffs are open to the public. You can walk on top of the white cliffs for free and see the plants, wildlife and animals around.

The white cliffs used to be covered with trees but these were all taken out of the ground. This provided the right habitat that some rare plants, that need thinner soil. They can grow in the tops of the cliffs around the worn paths. The weather is perfect for the plants to grow. All these plants attract insects like bees and butterflies and a variety of birds including black-tipped gulls and kittiwakes. There are over 1000 breeding pairs of kittiwakes. The birds can make there nest in the cliffs and breed. The birds feed on the insects, small mammals and sea life including crabs, shrimps and fish.